Hosea Kutako International Airport

Hosea Kutako International Airport (IATA: WDH, ICAO: FYWH) is the main international airport of Namibia, serving the capital city Windhoek. Located well east of the city, 45 km (28 mi), it is Namibia's largest airport with international connections. From its founding in 1965 to the independence of Namibia in 1990, it was named J.G. Strijdom Airport. The name of the airport after its renaming in 1990 is in honor of Namibian national hero Hosea Kutako.

Hosea Kutako International Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic
OperatorNamibia Airports Company Limited
ServesWindhoek, Namibia
Hub for
Elevation AMSL5,640 ft / 1,719 m
Coordinates22°29′12″S 017°27′45″E
Websiteairports.com.na
Map
WDH
Location within Namibia
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
08/26 4,532 14,869 Asphalt
16/34 1,524 5,000 Asphalt
Statistics (2018)
Passengers 1,557,279
Reference:[1][2][3]
Aerial photograph of Hosea Kutao International Airport

History

The airport was opened in 1965 during the era of South African administration, and was then named J.G. Strijdom Airport, after the Nationalist Prime Minister of South Africa.[4] It was renamed Hosea Kutako International Airport following independence in 1990.[5]

Hosea Kutako International Airport is the main hub for Air Namibia. Until recently, the absence of limited, direct international flights to Windhoek has forced passengers to fly via Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, or Cape Town International Airport, resulting in additional transit visa costs, visa processing time taken by respective embassies and longer travel time.[6] There are around 46[7][8][9][10][11] direct flights weekly between Hosea Kutako International Airport and OR Tambo International Airport. Menzies Aviation, an international company registered in the UK[12] was awarded the ground handling service operator at Hosea Kutako International Airport in November 2013.[13] Condor Airlines introduced flights between Frankfurt and Windhoek since November 2014.[14] Since 2016, Qatar Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines have started flying to Windhoek. Eurowings, the low-cost subsidiary of Lufthansa, commenced a bi-weekly service from Cologne/Bonn in July 2017. However, in a bid to streamline its long haul operation for the 2019-season, the airline has decided to end both the Cologne/Bonn and Munich routes to Windhoek.[15][16] In recent schedule updates however, Eurowings have decided to introduce flights from Frankfurt, Germany's largest airport, to Windhoek. Commencing in late October 2019, the airbus A330-200 would start operating this route.[17] As of October 2017, around 315 flights depart and land at HKIA weekly.[18] In August 2017 Air Namibia was granted 5th freedom rights to operate cargo and traffic between Windhoek, Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana.[19] These destinations were cancelled by the airline in May, 2019.[20] Westair Aviation has commenced scheduled flights April 1, 2018 from Windhoek-Eros.[21] In March 2018, Ethiopian Airlines introduced Africa's first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Namibia.[22][23] Due to flight performance and headwinds, Airlink in March 2019 has decided to re-direct its technical fuel-stop in Windhoek to Walvis Bay Airport, a move which would accommodate more passengers on the final leg to Saint Helena Airport.[24] Mack Air, a charter airline from Botswana has filed tri-weeekly operations between Maun and Windhoek commencing on 1 April 2020.[25] If approved, FlySafair, a low cost-carrier of South Africa, is mulling 3 weekly flights between O.R.Tambo airport and Hosea Kutako. Turkish Airlines added Windhoek to its 15th African Cargo network as of December 2020.[26] FlyWestair, a subsidiary of privately owned Westair Aviation introduced scheduled passenger flights between Windhoek and O.R.Tambo International Airport from early November 2020.[27]

Hosea Kutako International Airport apron, August 2017

In December 2017 Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA), Namibia's flagship airport, hosted officials from the Airport Council International (ACI) APEX partners from the Dublin Airport Authority, Airports Company South Africa, Office National Des Aeroports of Morocco, Ghana Airports Company and Airports of Mauritius Company, aiming to establish commitment and ultimately confirm a declaration of ACI APEX Safety Peer-review Programme with the Namibia Airports Company (NAC).[28]

On 10 January 2018 the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority launched the implementation of Africa's first centralised aeronautical database. This technology (Africa-Aeronautical Database or A-CAD), will allow flight planners the option of operating at the press of a button by using various mobile devices and follows the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).[29] Kenya Airways in December 2018 revealed advanced plans to start flights between Nairobi and Windhoek.[30]

The airport handled 1,574,148 passengers in 2016.[1][31]

Although Hosea Kutako International Airport is the main airport for international flights to and from Namibia, few domestic flights originate at Hosea Kutako Airport as those are predominantly handled at the smaller Windhoek Eros Airport, about 4,7 km (2,92 mi) south of Windhoek's central business district.[32] In September 2019 UPS Airlines announced that the company is adding Namibia to its global air-cargo network.[33]

The airport is operated by Namibia Airports Company. Since February 2018, the CEO of the company has been Albertus Aochamub.[34]

Facilities
Check-in area

Though there are few services available near the field, the Sungate Namibia Business Park is being constructed just outside the airport, which will include car rental facilities, airline catering, a truck stop and bureau de change.[35] Improvements to the terminal building have been the recently refurbished duty free restaurant, TAX refund facilities and public (short and long term)[36] parking area.[37] In February 2014, Namibia Airports Company acquired 11 Merce Rhino fire vehicles, of which 2 are assigned to Hosea Kutako Airport, (a Category 9 airport).[36] This accruement exceed the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) safety standards.[38] Free WiFi is available at the duty free restaurant.[39][40]

The 214sqm "Amushe"-business lounge was opened in September 2016, comfortably accommodating 55 passengers at a time.[41]

Ground transportation
Windhoek airport with the control tower and a group of school girls, 1997

The airport has shuttle services into Windhoek.[42] Shuttle services Namibia.[43]

Expansion
Merce Rhino Fire Engine, Hosea Kutako International Airport

The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is in the planning stages of constructing a new airport complete with aerodrome classification of category 4F (of the International Aviation Organization (ICAO) Aerodrome Reference Code in terms of Annex 14 of ICAO). This new development would render the airport to accommodate multiple wide-bodied code F aircraft. This project would require a new runway, including taxiways/ aprons. The NAC envisages a newly constructed terminal building that would include separate VIP check-in/ ancillary facilities. A new traffic control tower and fire station would complete the project.[44] In November 2017, the Namibian Government and the Vice Minister of China, Qian Keming, signed an economic and technical cooperation agreement, which will see China offer around 30 million U.S. dollars for part of the N$900m/78 km dual carriageway between the airport and Windhoek.[45][46] In May 2018 a spokesperson for Namibia Airports Company announced that the arrivals- and check-in hall, the luggage handling area, the security screening point will be temporarily improved. With airport traffic increasing, the need for a new terminal, runway and apron has been prioritised.[47] In September 2019 a local building contractor, Nexus Building Contractor, initiated the Congestion Alleviation project. This N$250 million project targets to double the handling capacity to accommodate increased passenger numbers up until 2030. The project also includes the construction of a new arrival hall, expansion or the current departure hall and increasing the security screening points.[48]

Airlines and destinations


Passenger
AirlinesDestinations
Airlink Cape Town, Johannesburg–O.R. Tambo
Air Namibia Cape Town, Durbana, Frankfurt ,[49] Gaboronea, Harare, Johannesburg–O.R. Tambo, Lusaka, Victoria Falls, Walvis Bay
British Airways Johannesburg–O.R. Tambo
Condor Seasonal: Frankfurt (resumes 3 May 2021)[50]
Ethiopian Airlines Addis Ababa
Eurowings Frankfurt
FlyWestair Cape Town, Johannesburg–O.R.Tambo
KLM Amsterdamb
Mack Air Maun (begins 2 May 2021)[51]
Qatar Airways Doha (resumes 28 March 2021)[52][53]
South African Airways Cape Town, Johannesburg–O.R. Tambo
TAAG Angola Airlines Luanda, Lubango
Notes

Cargo
AirlinesDestinations
Airlink Cargo Johannesburg-O. R. Tambo[55]
BidAir Cargo Johannesburg-O. R. Tambo
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo Addis Ababa
Lufthansa Cargo Frankfurt[56][57]
Qatar Airways Cargo Doha[58]
Turkish Cargo Istanbul–AtatürkA, Johannesburg-O. R. Tambo[59]
Notes

See also

References
  1. "Tourist Statistical Report" (PDF). Republic of Namibia, Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2016. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  2. "Namibia Tourist Statistical Report 2017". www.eif.org.na.
  3. Ngutjinazo, Okeri (22 January 2020). "Namibia: Tourist Arrivals in Namibia Increase in 2018". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  4. Standard encyclopaedia of Southern Africa, Volume 10, NASOU, 1974, page 202
  5. Posters in Action: Visuality in the Making of an African Nation, Giorgio Miescher, Lorena Rizzo, Jeremy Silvester Basler Afrika Bibliographien, 2009, page 133
  6. "UAE investors want direct flights to Namibia". The Namibian. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  7. "Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map". Flightradar24.
  8. "Real Time Flight Status at Windhoek (WDH Airport)". FlightStats.com. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  9. "Air Namibia Time Table" (PDF). Air Namibia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 April 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  10. "Emirates Introduces Airbus to Southern Africa". All Africa News. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  11. "Ethiopian Airlines and SAA expands codeshare partnership for Windhoek". An Africa Business Community – Africa Travel – Tourism. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
  12. © Menzies Aviation plc. Company Number: 02961404. Registered Office: 2 World Business Centre Heathrow, Newall Road, London Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, TW6 2SF.
  13. "Menzies Wins Ground Handling License In Namibia". www.AviationPros.com. November 2013.
  14. "Condor launches Windhoek-Frankfurt flights". News24. 13 February 2014.
  15. "Route network - Discover - Eurowings". www.eurowings.com.
  16. 2018, UBM (UK) Ltd. "Eurowings outlines new S18 long-haul routes". Routesonline. Retrieved 21 August 2018.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. Töre, Özgür. "Eurowings To Offer Flights From Munich and Frankfurt To Popular Tourist Destinations". ftnnews.com.
  18. "South African Airways SA 8131 Flight Tracker". FlightGlobalaccessdate=12 October 2017.
  19. "Lagos, Accra on Air Nam radar - Local News". Namibian Sun. 23 August 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  20. "Air Namibia cancels Lagos / Accra service from late-May 2019". Routesonline.
  21. 2018, UBM (UK) Ltd. "Airlineroute :: Routesonline". www.routesonline.com. Retrieved 21 August 2018.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. Flightradar24. "Flightradar24.com - Live flight tracker!". Flightradar24. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  23. "Press Release Details - Ethiopian Airlines". www.ethiopianairlines.com. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  24. Tribune, Aviation (5 March 2019). "Airlink Announces Johannesburg to St. Helena Service Update".
  25. "News for Airlines, Airports and the Aviation Industry | CAPA". centreforaviation.com.
  26. https://www.airports.com.na/news/100/turkish-airlines-commences-cargo-route-out-of-namibia/
  27. Westair Aviation
  28. New Era Staff Reporter (18 December 2017). "Namibia Airports Company prepares for 2018 security audit | New Era Newspaper Namibia". Newera.com.na. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  29. "No more manual flight plan filing". The Namibian. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  30. "Kenya opens talks with neighbours to allow KQ flights". Business Daily.
  31. "Namibia may see traffic boost from remake of cult TV series 'The Prisoner'; non-stop flights to Germany, but no longer UK". anna.aero Airline News & Analysis. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
  32. "Distance Between Windhoek Windhoek Namibia and Eros Airport (ERS) Namibia". disween.com. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  33. TIMES, The STAT TRADE. "UPS expands express services ahead of Expo 2020". www.stattimes.com.
  34. "namibia airports company ceo - Google Search". www.google.com.
  35. "Sungate Namibia - Hangula Estates". hangula.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  36. www.omalaetiit.com, Omalaeti Technologies, Namibia. "Namibia Airports Company -". www.airports.com.na. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  37. "Hosea Kutako International Airport Windhoek". Routesonline. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  38. "Namibia Airports Company puts safety first". Traveller24. 13 February 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  39. "Hosea Kutako International Airport — Wifi — App in the Air". Appintheair.mobi. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
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  43. "Windhoek Airport Transfers". Windhoek Airport Transfers. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  44. L2B. "Project | New Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek, Namib | L2B". www.l2b.co.za. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  45. "N$900m road works start despite cash and water crunch". The Namibian. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  46. 2017-11-16 20:49:05 (16 November 2017). "Chinese funds to boost infrastructure development, wildlife protection in Namibia - Xinhua | English.news.cn". News.xinhuanet.com. Retrieved 26 January 2018.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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  49. https://www.namibian.com.na/96253/read/Frankfurt-route-suspended-until-2021
  50. https://www.condor.com/eu/flights/namibia/windhoek/from-frankfurt-int/
  51. https://www.mackair.co.bw/scheduled/
  52. https://booking.qatarairways.com/nsp/views/fareSelection.xhtml?selLang=en
  53. https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/96183-air-namibias-international-ops-remain-grounded
  54. "Suspended West African air route gets new life lease". Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  55. "Windhoek".
  56. "Our stations - Lufthansa Cargo". lufthansa-cargo.com.
  57. "Menzies Aviation Namibia Wins Eurowings Contract". menziesaviation.com.
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  59. https://www.airports.com.na/news/100/turkish-airlines-commences-cargo-route-out-of-namibia/

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